Research Field Health Care Research

Health promotion projects and activities targeting health literacy inform, encourage and motivate primarily vulnerable groups towards a self-determined healthy lifestyle. As member of the Network of Health Promoting Universities, FH Campus Wien strives to continuously improve living and working conditions. In addition, the Department Health Sciences acts increasingly in health promotion activities as a protagonist in local health care. Evaluations of health promotion projects and programs aim to provide scientific evidence regarding their effectiveness and economic benefits.

Disability, disease, marginalization, nutrition, movement and activity behavior have an impact on functioning, independence and participation of people in their daily routine. This research focus explores interactions in between these factors and the subjective experience of people facing limitations. Assessment and evaluation tools are, in this context, being developed and validated. Building on this, measures to promote functioning and participation are being developed and evaluated and their implementation in practice is being investigated. These research activities thus contribute to optimally support people with impairments in terms of independence and quality of life as well as to facilitate their participation in daily life.

The focus clinical research includes experimental and observational studies for the evidence-based assessment of the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and supporting measures. In addition, diagnostic assessments, therapy and supporting concepts as well as feedback systems are being developed and validated. Following the example of Northern Europe, profession-specific research activities should promote the establishment of diagnostic and therapeutic health professions and midwifery as research disciplines in Austria.

With more than 8 million deaths attributable to cancer each year, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. With new therapeutic concepts such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, impressive results have for some types of tumors been achieved recently. Insights into complex relationships and mechanisms of action should be understood in detail using biomedical methods in order to identify further approaches for targeted approaches of therapy. Current research activities are carried out in cooperation with various research groups of the Medical University of Vienna.

Within the scope of research activities in the field of educational research, didactic methods, innovations and processes are being evaluated. Particular attention is being paid to synergies between teaching and research as well as aspects of interprofessionalism and interdisciplinarity. Emerging health professionals should thus be prepared to contribute in tackling upcoming challenges concerning health care.